The Latest Kiwi Wines Here to Enjoy in BC

Did you know the first recorded planting of grapevines in New Zealand was at the Bay of Islands in 1819? Wine was being made by Scottish, French, and Croatians making a new life in New Zealand. But powdery mildew, phylloxera, and prohibitionists together brought a halt to wine production. In the early and mid-1900’s wine production grew very slowly, but the 1960’s and 1970’s saw the growth of the wine sector with investments by Australian and American investors. And in the mid-1980s and 1990, the New Zealand government removed barriers to allow Kiwi wineries to sell their wines around the world. Thirty years ago, there were fewer than 100 New Zealand wineries, and today there are now over 670. (More info on the history of New Zealand wines are at this website.)

Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir put New Zealand on the wine world’s radar. The climate of the country brought about bright fruit flavours with refreshing acidity. Recently New Zealand Winegrowers in partnership with the New Zealand High Commission came to Vancouver bringing wines from these grapes as well as Chardonnay, Merlot and other grapes for us to try. Below are a few of the wines that I quite enjoyed and I would like to share with you. With the BC Spot Prawn Festival underway, you may want to pick up some of these white and sparkling wines to enjoy with our spot prawns.

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Drink Good Wine. That is my motto and I really want to help you drink good wine. What is good wine? That can be a different thing for each people. Food also loves wine so I also cover food and wine pairings and restaurant reviews.
MyWinePal was started by Karl Kliparchuk, WSET. I spent many years with the South World Wine Society as the President and then cellar master. I love to travel around the world, visiting wine regions and sharing my passion for food & wine with you. Come live vicariously through me, and enjoy all my recommended wines.